When you look back at the great rounds you've played, what comes to mind? Sure, you were putting good. And I'm sure your drives were at least playable.

And when I look back on my better scores, all those factors are true, but the one thing that stands out is my short game, around the green.

Let me clarify something. Although the title of this lesson is "Be One with your Wedge," what I really mean is "Be One with the Club You Use around the Greens"... but that title didn't sound catchy enough. :-)

The short game is totally about comfort and feel. You really need to get a mental image of yourself hitting the perfect shot. Don't mess around with trying all kinds of fancy-crazy shots unless you totally have them in your bag. Make the same consistent shot over and over. Just focus on the power of that repeatable chip.

What helps me is imagining that my sand wedge (this is the club I use around the greens - yours might be a pitching wedge or 8 iron, etc.) is an extension of my left arm. I view it as almost another part of my body.

And when I successfully keep that focus through the round my scores are generally 4 to 5 strokes better.

Another thing to keep in mind is that age-old advice of trying to chip the ball so that it stops within a 3 foot circle around the hole.

After playing a couple holes take a look back at any chips you've had around the greens. Then adjust your power (notice I said power - not the type of shot) accordingly.

Have you been running the ball by the hole? Then lessen your power a bit. Feel like your chipping club is part of you.

This advice may seem a little primitive, but it is so very essential to lower your score.

Dave Moore is the author of the Anti-Slice Swing System (thedaveway.com), which has drawn rave reviews like this one: “Thanks very much for creating this program…I am quite a skeptic with cure-all fixes – however, yours is just amazing.” – Matthew F., Willowville, OH.